Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase II
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 8, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for researchers and institutions developing innovative space technology concepts. NASA, educational institutions, private companies, and nonprofit organizations can apply. The program supports visionary early-stage concepts that could transform space exploration. Phase II specifically advances promising Phase I concepts toward practical development and potential NASA integration.
Full eligibility details are in the solicitation document, available through NSPIRES when the appendix posts in May 2026. Requirements may include institutional authorization, technical capability, and ability to meet deliverables.
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Program description
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Headquarters anticipates release of a solicitation, titled “NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC), Phase II,” as an Appendix to the Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) NASA Research Announcement (NRA), titled “Space Technology Research, Development, Demonstration, and Infusion – 2026 (SpaceTech-REDDI-2026),” on or about May 11, 2026. Once the Appendix is posted, complete details (to include due dates) can be accessed via the following steps:
1. Open the NSPIRES homepage at https://nspires.nasaprs.com/
2. Select “Solicitations”
3. Select “Open”
4. Select “Space Technology Research, Development, Demonstration, and Infusion – 2026 (SpaceTech-REDDI-2026) NNH26ZTR001N”
5. Select “List of Open Program Elements”
6. Select “NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC), Phase II- NNH26ZTR001N-26NIAC_A2″
7. Select “NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase II Solicitation Document” under Announcement Documents.
The NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Program supports innovative research through Phase I, Phase II, and Phase III awards. Phase I awards are typically a nine-month effort to explore the overall feasibility and viability of visionary concepts. Phase II awards are for up to two years, to further develop the most promising Phase I concepts, and to explore potential infusion options within and beyond NASA. Phase III awards are designed to strategically advance and transition the most promising NIAC Phase II concepts to other NASA programs, other government agencies, or commercial partners.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Project Narrative/Technical Proposal
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Curriculum Vitae (Key Personnel)
- Institutional Authorizations or Commitments
- Management Plan
- (Full list available in solicitation document on NSPIRES)
Program contact
- 👤 Thomas Ramirez-Pugh Peer Review Administrator
- 📧 hq-niac@mail.nasa.gov
- 📞 2029670848
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 43.012 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$16,999,769
-
$15,317,947
-
$15,000,000
-
$15,000,000
-
$14,999,835
-
$14,500,000
-
$13,500,000
-
$5,894,551
-
$4,747,599
-
$4,498,166
Top States by Funding
- CA 22 awards $44.8M
- GA 6 awards $26.6M
- TX 10 awards $23.8M
- CO 5 awards $20.2M
- PA 7 awards $20.0M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 43.012). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $68,553,702 | |
| 2025 | $62,203,060 | |
| 2026 est. | $55,000,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for NIAC Phase II?
NASA, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations with Phase I experience can apply. Check the solicitation for specific institutional requirements.
When is the deadline?
The solicitation posts around May 11, 2026. Exact deadlines appear in the full announcement on NSPIRES.
How long is the Phase II project?
Phase II awards support projects up to two years to develop Phase I concepts further.
What kind of concepts does NIAC fund?
Innovative, visionary space technology concepts with potential to transform NASA missions or other applications.
Do I need Phase I funding first?
Phase II is designed for successful Phase I awardees, though eligibility rules are in the solicitation document.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Register on NSPIRES early and bookmark the SpaceTech-REDDI-2026 NRA to track release dates and deadlines.
- Review prior NIAC awards to understand the visionary scope and technical depth NASA expects.
- Clearly articulate how your Phase I concept advances and what new technical ground Phase II will cover.
- Build realistic timelines and milestones for the two-year development period.
- Connect your concept to potential NASA programs or commercial applications early in the proposal narrative.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Overpromising results without clear technical validation steps. Vague infusion pathways to NASA programs or failing to justify why the concept matters beyond novelty. Underestimating management complexity in a two-year development timeline.
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